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“He was wounded for our transgressions…” Isaiah 53:4-6

Isaiah 53 is an amazing chapter that talks so clearly about Jesus, 700+ years before He arrived! I reflect on all that He did for me when I was so undeserving:

“Wounded for my transgressions

Bruised for my iniquities

The chastisement of my peace was upon Him

And with His stripes I am healed.”

But here was my real ah-ha for this morning—it reminded me again of why all this had to happen; why he had to suffer:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own ways.”

There is the key to what happened, and the key to not allowing it to continue happening. Because I went astray, Jesus had to die. And, “if it’s important to God it’s clear in His word”—here’s what I discovered it means to “go astray”—“we have turned every one to his own ways.” THAT, my friends, I believe describes sin, the cause of Jesus’ suffering- I, and apparently everyone else, “turns to their own ways.” When I do what I want to do rather than what God wants me to do, I have turn to my own ways. That pretty much defines the culture and society I live in today. Relativism to its max! If I think it’s right then it’s right for me. I am the determiner of right and wrong, which actually makes me god and not Him!

If that’s the cause then the solution is quite clear- I need to stop “turning to my own ways,” and in submission to Him, be ready and willing to “turn to God’s own ways.” So, what’s it going to be? My way or God’s way? How do I decide what is right or wrong? By what I like or what God says? Whom do I follow? Me or Him? Who has the final authority? God, through is Word, or me through my word? Christ suffered because I went my own way. His solution was His death so all those times I did go my own way He is willing to forgive. The verse ends, “And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” And now, BECAUSE He has made the ultimate sacrifice, how will I respond? More of my own way or all the way in His way? My call. Yours too!

Have a great day realizing His great gift and the need to respond appropriately,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “Live in the Word so that the Word may Live in you.”

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